Biffa Waste Services has been fined £2.48m after a worker was run over and killed by a reversing lorry.
James Tabiri, 57, was working as a sort line operative at Biffa Waste Services’ transfer site in Bradford when the fatal accident occurred in August 2023.
He was making his way to the site office across a weighbridge when he was struck from behind by the reversing skip wagon. The impact caused him to fall and he died from crush injuries from the rear wheels.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Biffa failed to effectively review and monitor the control measures in place to protect pedestrians and keep them separate from vehicle movements.
CCTV footage from the week before the incident showed that it was common practice for people on site to bypass segregated pedestrian routes, with some seen climbing over barriers that were intended to keep them safe.
The HSE said by law employers must ensure traffic routes can be used without putting workers at risk.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and as well as the seven-figure fine, it was also ordered to pay full costs of £5,768.06 at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 15 October.
HSE inspector Elliot Archer said: “This incident was easily avoidable. Control measures were in place to allow pedestrians and vehicles to move safely, but a lack of monitoring and supervision allowed poor working practices to develop between the workers on site.
“Our investigation found a casual attitude to health and safety with workers treating a high hazard site like a playground.
“Nearly a quarter of all deaths involving workplace transport occur during reversing manoeuvres.
“This tragic incident should be a reminder to the waste industry not to become complacent with the risks workplace transport poses, and that even where control measures are in place to segregate pedestrians and vehicles, robust monitoring and supervision of their correct usage need to be in place.”
